A visit to Tenorio Volcano National Park provides visitors with a spectacle of nature at its most bizarre. Bright cerulean lagoons, radiant cobalt waterfalls, and a river with crystal clear waters that turn a stunning shade of blue when they merge with another stream. On top of this, the volcano’s secondary activity is easy to see, with bubbling mud pots, hot springs, and thermal geysers along two hiking trails. All of these natural wonders can be found within a spectacular forest teeming with flora and fauna.

Río Celeste (Light Blue River) is, undoubtedly, the park’s main attraction. It passes through its very centre, most of the time running parallel to the hiking trail.

The river gets its name from the cerulean hue of its waters, colour created when copper sulphate and colloidal silica deposits react with sulphur in the merging rivers. From the trail, visitors can see the place where both streams combine and witness the sudden change in the water’s colour. Additionally, Río Celeste’s impressive waterfall is a marvel to see. It is worthwhile to attempt the very steep path that leads down to the cascade and its bright blue pool.